CCC Testimony: Implementation of Close to Home for Non-Secure Placements

Published October, 2013

CCC submitted testimony about the City’s implementation of the Close to Home for non-secure placements, and made recommendations for continued progress in reforming the juvenile justice system, at a New York City Council joint Juvenile Justice and General Welfare Hearing on October 23, 2013.

CCC’s testimony focused on the tremendous transformation underway in the juvenile justice system now that youth placed in non-secure juvenile facilities by the Family Court are placed in facilities close to their homes, families, communities and lawyers. While there have been some implementation challenges, there has been much progress in decreasing youth AWOLs from placement and in educational success. CCC recommended that there be continued oversight and assessment of implementation so that any needed resources or policy changes could be addressed expeditiously by this or the next Administration.